8 Decluttering Tips That Are Organizer-Approved

It seems like everyone and their mother has a decluttering tip or two they'd like to share, but when it comes to concrete advice for how to become better at organizing, we trust what the pros have to say the most! We spoke with six Southern pro organizers and asked them to share a couple of their go to techniques for decluttering. You'll find their best insights below!

1. Organize First, Buy Storage Bins Later

Contrary to popular belief, it's wise to tackle the decluttering process before buying your storage bins, explains Allison Flinn, the founder of Reclaim Professional Organizing in Raleigh, North Carolina. Once you've done that, be sure to measure your space before purchasing containers. "This will allow you to maximize the available space," Flinn explains.

2. Declutter A Bit Each Day

Practice makes perfect, after all!

"Make decluttering a part of your daily routine," says Celi Viloria, the founder of CeliOrganizer in Atlanta, Georgia. "It doesn’t have to be a big task."

For example, she explains, check your clothing for holes and stains while putting away laundry (and then part ways with anything in poor shape), look for cracks in your dishes when emptying the dishwasher, check the expiration date on canned goods while pulling ingredients out of your pantry, and more.

You can also engage in mini decluttering sessions that last just 15 minutes or so, Viloria advises.

"Focus on one drawer, shelf, or area, and make decisions about each item," she says. "This approach makes the process manageable and less daunting."

Kenika Williams, the founder of Tidied by K in Atlanta, suggests setting a literal timer for these sessions.

"One major benefit to using a timer is that it also helps to combat procrastination," she says. "Knowing you have only 30 minutes to declutter motivates you to begin the task and make the most of that time."

3. Make Key Piles

As you go through a drawer or bin, follow what Jayna Lattimore refers to as the three pile method, focusing on items to keep, toss, or donate.

"Doing so allows you to make decisions about your possessions in the moment, reducing the likelihood that you'll hold onto unnecessary clutter for longer," says the founder of Ordered, LLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

4. Adopt a Moving Mindset

Viloria is a proponent of living as though you're preparing for a move and evaluating your belongings accordingly.

"Ask yourself, 'Would this be worth taking to my new place?' If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go," she says. "I think about whether everything I own is worth moving to my new place, ensuring that I love, use, and need those items."

On that note, make an effort not to save things with the intention of using them "someday."

As Kat Duncan Campbell, the founder of UpTown Concierge in Atlanta puts it, "If you can replace it for $20 or less, in 20 minutes or less, and you can’t remember the last time you used it, get rid of it!"

5. Put Items Away Each Day

Kendra Littlejohn likes to follow the "don't put it down, put it away" rule.

The Memphis, Tennessee-based founder of Organized by Kendra says, "When you adopt the habit of putting things away immediately rather than temporarily, you are proactive in maintaining an organized and clutter-free environment." Doing so, she says, will help to cut the clutter and ensure you can find what you need in no time.

6. Categorize Everything

It's also easy to find what you need when all of your items are categorized.

"Grouping like items is an expert-approved approach to maintaining organization and efficiency," Littlejohn says. "This approach is especially beneficial to large families because it simplifies the process of finding and putting away items, reducing confusion and frustration."

7. Drop Off Donations Regularly

You've made an effort to formulate a donation pile—now get those items out of the house before you can think twice!

"Not letting decluttered items sit around in your home for too long is key when decluttering," Williams says. "By taking the items out of your home as soon as possible, you’ll be able to free up space and avoid the temptation to go through them again."

8. Throw a Purge Party

Who says decluttering can't be fun? Make the most of it and throw a purge party, Lattimore suggests.

"Get the help of trusted friends and family that can help you be honest with yourself and also make it fun for you," she says. "Surrounding yourself with those you love can also give you the needed emotional support when decluttering sentimental items."